Please leash your dog - Vent

[RF536]

We spent a long weekend camping at a nearby state park and hiking some of the trails there. The trails are muliti-use trails so they are shared by bikers, hikers and horseback riders. During the time we were there we encountered about 15 dogs that were running free ahead of their owners, the law in Michigan is that dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times.

I love dogs as much as the next person, in fact I have a 6mo. Husky mix, that went camping and hiking with us, but not everyone wants your large sometimes muddy dog running up to great them.

Please consider these things before you let your dog run free.

1. The other people on the trail might be shy or afraid of unfamiliar dogs. Most of the dogs we encountered were larger dogs, and only 1 owner attempted to call the dog back before it ran up to greet my sons 9 & 7. A year ago that would have caused big problems for my older son, while he loves dogs, he needed to feel safe with the dog.
2. Are you positive your dog is good with all the other animals on the trail. We met one lab that ran over to greet our puppy, and then began to get aggressive with him, luckily DH was there and used his leg to push the other dog away from our dog and kids.
3. The horses on the trail might spook at a dog running full speed at them, a dangerous situation for both dog, horse and rider.
4. How does you dog react to bikers, there were a lot of mountain bikers on the trail, and I am sure they did not appreciate all of the dogs that ran up to them on the trail.


Thanks for letting me vent- it really irritates me when I see dogs running off leash and the owners thinking it is cute to let them approach eveyone on the trail.

 

[NikiM20]

I agree I also want to add that they should also clean up behind their dogs.

 

[Art 1]

I agee. Also, cat owners should not let their cats roam.

 

[happygirl]

I don't see the big deal as long as the owners of the dog can control there dog off the leash

 

[mjkacmom]

We camp with families with large dogs. While they roam free on our site (tying them up would cause problems), they are always leashed for walks.

 

[NikiM20]

I don't see the big deal as long as the owners of the dog can control there dog off the leash

Many times dogs do not do well together when one is on leash and one is off. This is why dog parks are all off leash. It is also against the law to have unleashed animals where the OP was.

 

[ajk912]

I agree totally. Kind of a hijack but I live within walking distance of an elementary school, and I often use the bus loop as a jogging track in the evenings. There is a sign at the entrance that says "NO DOGS ALLOWED" so why do I still see unleashed dogs with their owners, also walking on the bus loop? Ticks me off. I don't mind as much if the dog is on a leash, but I am not a pet person..this is an elementary school! Never mind the poop..nasty..for those who don't notice when their dog relieves itself.

 

[Magic Mom]

I agee. Also, cat owners should not let their cats roam.

Amen

 

[goofy!]

We spent a long weekend camping at a nearby state park and hiking some of the trails there. The trails are muliti-use trails so they are shared by bikers, hikers and horseback riders. During the time we were there we encountered about 15 dogs that were running free ahead of their owners, the law in Michigan is that dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times.

I love dogs as much as the next person, in fact I have a 6mo. Husky mix, that went camping and hiking with us, but not everyone wants your large sometimes muddy dog running up to great them.

Please consider these things before you let your dog run free.

1. The other people on the trail might be shy or afraid of unfamiliar dogs. Most of the dogs we encountered were larger dogs, and only 1 owner attempted to call the dog back before it ran up to greet my sons 9 & 7. A year ago that would have caused big problems for my older son, while he loves dogs, he needed to feel safe with the dog.
2. Are you positive your dog is good with all the other animals on the trail. We met one lab that ran over to greet our puppy, and then began to get aggressive with him, luckily DH was there and used his leg to push the other dog away from our dog and kids.
3. The horses on the trail might spook at a dog running full speed at them, a dangerous situation for both dog, horse and rider.
4. How does you dog react to bikers, there were a lot of mountain bikers on the trail, and I am sure they did not appreciate all of the dogs that ran up to them on the trail.


Thanks for letting me vent- it really irritates me when I see dogs running off leash and the owners thinking it is cute to let them approach everyone on the trail.

I have to agree with you whole heartedly.

I own a breed that is part of the Livestock Guardian Group of dogs. These dogs were bred for centuries to protect their flock from predators. In absence of a four footed flock, the family becomes the "flock."

My dogs are gentle as lambs. They are obedience trained (they have to be) and are used to being around thousands of dogs at one time (dog shows). They have no problems being amongst many dogs of all kinds and temperaments as long as they are under control. They tolerate dogs walking up to sniff them and puppies playing. Kids can do no wrong.

However, when another dog comes bounding up, unleashed, their protective instincts kick in. They are going to protect me or anyone else in their "flock" from this potential predator. It is viewed much like a wolf or mountain lion running for the attack on the flock.

I hate it when the owner is standing there laughing, yelling, "oh, he's gentle, he just wants to play."

Ummm, okay. But my dog won't be so gentle if your dog comes running up to us. And unfortunately, grabbing your dog by the throat (won't kill but will hold) is just doing his job. It won't be my leashed dog's fault if he grabs your unleashed dog.

I of course will try to anticipate and put him on a down stay, but the other thing with the LGD is that they were also bred to make their own decisions. So, under attack, my dog may or may not listen to me. (which is why they are never, ever off leash.)

So, if you allow your dog off leash, your dog may be friendly, but the dog they want to play with (like mine) may not be.

 

[goofy!]

I agee. Also, cat owners should not let their cats roam.

Our town actually includes cats in the leash law and will come pick up wandering cats if you call them.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Another dog owner here who agrees 110%.

Also, don't bring your dog to the playground if there's a sign saying he's not allowed, or at least not inside the playground fence. If you tie your dog outside the fence, please do so in a place where he doesn't block access to the gate. There's a playground here where people routinely tie their big dogs to the actual gate post, and when you try and enter with your child they call "don't worry he's friendly". So, not cool.

 

[goofy!]

I don't see the big deal as long as the owners of the dog can control there dog off the leash

As long as they can control their dog, it isn't a problem.

In fact, on most of our trails, it is leash or voice control.

It is when irresponsible owners don't keep their dogs under leash or voice control and allow them to go up to other dogs and people that problems occur.

It is not cute to allow your dog to run up to another one because you think it just wants to play. That is a good way to get your dog hurt.

 

[RF536]

The main problem with them being off the leash is that it is against the law.

The other problem we ran into is that only 1 person even attempted to control their dog, all of the others just let their dog(s) run up to greet us. 2 of the dogs we met were Burmese (sp?) Mountain dogs who were so far in front of their owners we couldn't see the owners for a about a minute after we saw the dogs. We were all fishing, minus our puppy, on a small damn that was on both sides of the trail, DH and myself were a little ways away from the boys with these 2 dogs came out of the woods and ran right for the boys. Luckily we warned the boys that they were there, because if the boys had startled they easily could have fallen in the lake.

 

[disykat]

ITA. I can't tell you how many times I've felt threatened by a dog off leash. When I have my dog (on a leash) with me, it's even worse. While on her leash, she's been attacked twice by dogs who were supposedly "voice controlled." It's actually terrifying.

I also don't see how owners of off leash dogs can possibly be cleaning up all their poop when they're not even standing next to them to notice IF they poop.

 

[damren]

Agreed OP
You have to follow the rules...they are not a suggestion (as my dh says about the speed limit )
You need to complain to the park (or wherever you were) because clearly people arent following the rules.

*my parents did not obey the leash law in Acadia and poor Buddy went face first into a porcupine...the ranger asked if he was on a leash, they said no, and he said maybe next time you'll keep him on a leash

 

[C.Ann]

I agree.. Everyone should be able to enjoy the park - and allowing dogs to run free is not the way to achieve that..

 

[RF536]

My dogs are always on a lesh when we camp as it is also the rule at all of the campgrounds we have stayed at. This weekend is the second time my leashed dog has had a problem with an unleashed dog being aggressive. This time wasn't so bad as the other dog didn't have a chance to do anything, but the 1st time with my old dog was not pretty. My 1st dog was a German Shepherd mix and was very protective of her family, we were walking her around a campground one night when a little dog from a few rows over decided to come after us. The dog 1st got between DH who had our dog and me and the boys, then it started nipping at the boys and then at our dogs heels. Things did not go well for the little dog it was maybe 10lbs, my dog was 120lbs. My dog picked the little dog up and started to shake it, DH yelled for her to release and she let the dog go but not before she left some deep puncture wounds. DH did give the dog's owners our vet's number and dog's and told them he hoped their dog was ok, but would not give them any other information.

 

[MIGrandma]

That is one of the main reasons we no longer camp in public campgrounds. I got so tired of dealing with other people's dogs.

The last time we camped in a campground I was bringing groceries into the camper from the car, so I had my door open. This big dog came bounding towards me from a neighboring campsite. Of course, not on a leash. The leash was in the man's hand. Duh. The dog ran into my vehicle, and got his muddy feet all over the front leather seat. I was so mad!!! The idiot owner just laughed. I turned to him and told him I didn't think it was funny and that his dog was supposed to be on a leash! I went in to get something to clean the seat off, and when I came back out the man had his dog on the leash. I should have hollered for him to come back so HE could clean my seat. I was really fuming over that. Just ridiculous. I did mention it to the owner of the campground, but they also have dogs so I doubt anything was done.

And the barking in campgrounds, another thing that gets on my nerves. I don't mind well behaved dogs at all, but the ones that bark are so annoying. And the owners that do nothing to make them stop. Sure does ruin the tranquility of peace and quiet when you're trying to read a book or take a nap outside when you're camping.

 

[MM27]

I don't see the big deal as long as the owners of the dog can control there dog off the leash

It is a big deal. Did you see the part of the OP that said the law is that dogs need to be leashed? I walk my dog in a 200+ acre park where there are signs that clearly state all dogs must be leashed. It has gotten so bad that they brought in one of those huge police signs that they use on highways saying that and to pick up after your dog (both of which are required by law). It's the whole rules don't apply to me mentality. I love dogs, but I don't need random ones running up to me when I'm out. My dog is not good with other dogs. When I see another dog coming, I shorten her leash and pull her to the opposite side. I can't tell you the number of times people have said, "It's okay, my dog is friendly" Even when I say, "Mine's not good with other dogs" some of them try to insist.

 

[laurie31]

The main problem with them being off the leash is that it is against the law.

The other problem we ran into is that only 1 person even attempted to control their dog, all of the others just let their dog(s) run up to greet us. 2 of the dogs we met were Burmese (sp?) Mountain dogs who were so far in front of their owners we couldn't see the owners for a about a minute after we saw the dogs. We were all fishing, minus our puppy, on a small damn that was on both sides of the trail, DH and myself were a little ways away from the boys with these 2 dogs came out of the woods and ran right for the boys. Luckily we warned the boys that they were there, because if the boys had startled they easily could have fallen in the lake.

Oh. My. Goodness. Funniest typo EVER on the DIS!!! ROTFL!!!

I literally spewed my drink!! (and how come a 'real' 4 letter word makes it past the Astericks of Death, but we aren't allowed to say the name of the actor who starred as Bert in Mary Poppins! )


Sorry, now that that's out of my system, I totally agree with you! An unleashed dog in that situation is a recipe for a dog or a child to end up hurt.

My dogs are always on a leash when we camp as it is also the rule at all of the campgrounds we have stayed at. This weekend is the second time my leashed dog has had a problem with an unleashed dog being aggressive. This time wasn't so bad as the other dog didn't have a chance to do anything, but the 1st time with my old dog was not pretty. My 1st dog was a German Shepherd mix and was very protective of her family, we were walking her around a campground one night when a little dog from a few rows over decided to come after us. The dog 1st got between DH who had our dog and me and the boys, then it started nipping at the boys and then at our dogs heels. Things did not go well for the little dog it was maybe 10lbs, my dog was 120lbs. My dog picked the little dog up and started to shake it, DH yelled for her to release and she let the dog go but not before she left some deep puncture wounds. DH did give the dog's owners our vet's number and dog's and told them he hoped their dog was ok, but would not give them any other information.

This type thing actually happened to us, only it was the reverse. Our tiny 7 pound dog was on leash, and the huge dog who attacked him was not. And the owners were not so forthcoming with any offers of vet assistance, or even any CONCERN for our dog. Then we found out this dog was routinely off leash, had actually killed another dog, and had attacked a child, and still nothing changed. So we pressed criminal charges. They were found guilty of having a dog off leash, owning a vicious animal, and had to pay our $630 vet bill, $2200 in fines and court costs, and got a 15 day suspended jail sentence and 12 months probation! If only they'd said they were sorry, we might have let it go! But then we found out their dog had harmed a child in the past and they continued to let it run free, so we took it to the law.

In your case, you were rightfully not responsible for their dog, since your dog was leashed and theirs wasn't.

But yeah, it's a big deal if your dog is off leash and something happens. You can be held criminally liable.